6 years ago when my panic started I was afraid of dying. I would panic over every pain or strange feeling. But for the past 2 1/2 years its like my fear has changed. I'm deathly afraid of going crazy, losing my mind, losing control. 2 years ago I had the worst panic attack ever and I was convinced I was gonna go crazy and wouldn't be able to stop. I went to the ER 2 nights in a row and finally checked into the psych ward. Chances are it was a bad reaction to the wrong medication. But lately my anxiety has flared up and thats all I can't think about. Going crazy and running around like a raving lunatic. My family knows of my anxiety and I'm afraid they won't drive me to the ER but i shouldn't even be worrying about that. Crazy people don't know they're going crazy. Can anyone relate or offer me some tips of what to do or think when my anxiety starts getting bad. I hate it cause I'll wake up at 1 or 2 in the am and feel hopeless.

panic attacks although very unpleasant arent harmful and lead to nothing worse, they never make you go crazy so stop worrying

you should disolve a valium type tablet under the tongue and breathe deep and slow when one starts, then try to relax, dont tense up or fight back and wait for it to pass

its actually bad to go th the ER for every panic attack, its not needed

read up on the fight or flight response on the net as this explains much of what happens to you during a panic attack

recovered former longtime anxiety and panic attack sufferer and helper of other sufferers but no training or qualifications in medicine or psychology, any remarks that may be taken as advice must be confirmed with doctor or other health professional

emails are welcome but do mention healingwell to avoid risk of deletion as spam

I have had that feeling, when I am trying to go to sleep and start to panic about what is happening to me, will I have these episodes forever? I feel like I might as well be in an institution in a rocking chair as I am so afraid that I am losing my wits forever.

What worked for me was a lot of Ativan as well as my bedtime meds. I was maxed out on the Ativan.

I am happy to say I have weaned down my benzo and am aiming to be off regular dose and go to a "use when necessary"

I understand exactly what you are going through. I hope you will soon get better. If you need medication besides what your using, please see your physician.

Bless you.

RespectfullyKitt

Moderator Anxiety ~ Panic DisordersDx: Anxiety/Panic, Depression______________________________________________________"If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” ~Rosalyn Carter

I have been there many many times. I got to the point where I was calling my therapist everyday, calling hotlines everyday, and caling my best friend about a million times a day.

Now, when I get just a little antsy, I take a Valuim, and do breathing exercises. It usely helps now.

Think, I was in a severe panic for four months straight, from my assult case. I really thought I was going off the deep end. I used every availible resource to get through, and guess what? I ham stilll here, its over and I am in a better place. Know you are not alone, and you have lots of support here.

Along with the meds learning self help coping skills is a plus IMHOThere is CBT,relaxation techniques and breathing techniques......

Please do check HW resources for books or other input that may help you out I am sure more will post as 'It is not Just you"

You are not alone in this battleIf you like nature going for walks helps me ......so does going fishing

be well and keep us posted

** Please do check with your doc if you do take valium or rather just ask if it is okay to let them melt in mouth Some doc's dont agree with this but mine does and it gets to your system quicker THERE is sublingual ativan and liqued Valium but again most docs will not RX you the liqued valium It has gotten a very bad rap IMHO and I know I for one would be a total basket case if I were not on these meds I am RX both one for a specific reason/disease that helps keep blood from going to fast thru system( PG) and I take the valium for nerves PRN ......I am allowed up to 4 of each per day .lol ...BUT not at same time or together........